Day 1
Arrive in Beijing
Arrive in Beijing, China's "Northern Capital," rich in imperial history and cultural heritage. After transferring to your hotel for some relaxation, meet your Travel Director for a Welcome Reception, complete with a drink and local appetizers, setting the stage for your exploration of this epic and historic city.
Accommodation: Novotel Beijing Peace or similar
Meals Included: Welcome Reception
Day 2
Beijing
This morning, witness the majestic Great Wall of China at Juyongguan, a historic defence against invaders since the 5th century B.C., stretching endlessly across the landscape. Spend the afternoon at your leisure, and in the evening, savour a regional Beijing specialty, succulent Peking Duck, an essential experience in the capital.
Accommodation: Novotel Beijing Peace or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Regional Dinner
Day 3
Beijing
Immerse yourself in Beijing's history at Tiananmen Square, surrounded by the Great Hall of the People, Qianmen Gate, and Mao Zedong's Mausoleum. Step into the past at the UNESCO-listed Forbidden City, a testament to China's imperial era. Post-lunch, unwind with a soothing foot massage at the Foot Reflexology Centre, followed by free time or an optional evening experience.
Accommodation: Novotel Beijing Peace or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4
Beijing- Xi'an
Explore Beijing's historic Hutong area on a rickshaw, navigating through vibrant neighbourhoods and traditional courtyard residences. Join a local family for a Be My Guest lunch featuring authentic Chinese dishes. Visit a tea house to learn the ancient art of tea-making with a Local Specialist. Then, depart for Xi'an, the historic Silk Road gateway.
Accommodation: Wyndham Grand Xi'an South or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Be My Guest
Day 5
Xi'an
Explore Emperor Qin Shi Huang's underground tomb, marvelling at the Terracotta Warriors and Horses. Enjoy a traditional Chinese noodle meal afterward. Conclude the day at a Jade factory, appreciating the stone revered by emperors, treasured by the Chinese more than gold.
Accommodation: Wyndham Grand Xi'an South or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6
Xi'an- Chengdu
This morning, choose between practicing T'ai Chi with a Local Specialist or cycling around Xi'an's ancient City Wall. Enjoy a dumpling-making session and lunch, then board a high-speed train to Chengdu. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and experience the relaxed local lifestyle at your own pace.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Chengdu City Centre or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7
Chengdu
Visit the Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Base and learn from a Local Specialist about its vital role in protecting endangered giant pandas, with less than 2,000 remaining. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience highlights conservation efforts, followed by a relaxing afternoon back at your hotel.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Chengdu City Centre or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8
Chengdu
Experience the vibrant flavours of Sichuan cuisine at the Museum of Sichuan Cuisine. Learn traditional chili crushing techniques, explore historical culinary artifacts, and create your own dishes with a local chef. After savouring these rich tastes and aromas, enjoy a leisurely afternoon for relaxation, exploration, or shopping.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Chengdu City Centre or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9
Chengdu- Chongqing
Explore People’s Park's Chinese gardens and tea houses, observing locals playing mah-jong, napping, or enjoying massages. Next, visit Jinli Old Street, displaying traditional Sichuan architecture, crafts, and art. Conclude with a high-speed train to Chongqing for a city tour and dinner, followed by embarking on a Yangtze River Cruise.
Accommodation: Victoria Jenner Yangtze River or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Regional Dinner
Day 10
Chongqing- Fengdu County
This morning, disembark at Shibaozhai to see its 19th-century cliff-top temple. Ascend the red pavilion on the steep peak, now an island from the Three Gorges Dam's rising waters. Later, cruise to Fengdu's 'Ghost City' to explore shrines and temples dedicated to the afterlife.
Accommodation: Victoria Jenna Yangtze River/Victoria Sabrina Yangtze River or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11
Fengdu- Yichang
Embark on a serene Yangtze River cruise through the majestic Three Gorges. Navigate the narrow Qutang Gorge, admire the tranquil Wu Gorge's lush mountains, and pass through the Xiling Gorge. Experience the serene Goddess Stream on a small boat, surrounded by limestone cliffs and verdant landscapes for a peaceful journey.
Accommodation: Victoria Jenna Yangtze River/Victoria Sabrina Yangtze River or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12
Yichang- Shanghai
Witness the Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest hydroelectric project, then transfer from your cruise to the airport for a flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival in China's largest city, check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
Accommodation: The Kunlun Jing'An Shanghai or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 13
Shanghai
Explore Shanghai's iconic Bund with a Local Specialist, marvelling at colonial architecture and modern skyscrapers. Visit a silk museum, then experience the peaceful Yu Garden. Enjoy local cuisine and shopping in the Old Town. Conclude with the Jade Buddha Temple, admiring its jade statues, and a Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe performance.
Accommodation: The Kunlun Jing'An Shanghai or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 14
Shanghai
Visit the 88th floor of Jin Mao Tower for breathtaking city views, then join a Local Specialist for a walk in the Shanghai French Concession, reflecting French colonial history. Explore Xin Tian Di, a modern hub in antique settings, and enjoy a leisurely afternoon in Shanghai. End with a Farewell Dinner.
Accommodation: The Kunlun Jing'An Shanghai or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Day 15
Depart Shanghai
Your journey in China comes to a close, take a transfer to the airport for onward or homebound flights.
Meals Included: Breakfast
